Now Out: Essay 1394 on 松 (pine)

See how pines connect to New Year's rituals, Noh plays, Basho, bamboo and ume (symbolically), and matsutake mushrooms. Discover a pine tree that matters in Buddhism and twin pines that represent marital happiness, as well as figurative uses of "pine needle." Learn about two sarin gas attacks and the sabotage of railroad lines. Also find out about cows that receive regular massages.